When reading over the Networked
Publics blog I was immediately interested in the Starbucks scenario
outlined by the authors. So often we now seek out others to be in proximity to,
but have little interaction with them. Instead people are focused on their tablets,
smart phones or laptops. Our attachment to the network has for some become an
obsession.
I myself, rely heavily on the network and have been panicked by the
thought that I misplaced my smartphone. I have almost been late for work
because I had to turn around on my commute when I realized that I forgot my phone
at home. As a parent the cellphone has become a tether to stay in constant
communication with my nearly adult children. I also love the instant
availability of information that the network provides.
The author also points
out that the network has done away with true solitude. The constant barrage of
email, texts and alerts have chipped away at the ability to have quiet and
alone time to self-reflect. The networked age is upon us and there is no going
back, I just hope that we all don’t forget how to have conversations with each other
or to enjoy the non-virtual world that is around us.
Varnelis, K.(Ed.).(2008). Networked Publics. Cambridge, Massachusetts: The MIT Press. http://networkedpublics.org/
I tuned into this as well and had mentioned in my blog post that although the book was a bit dated, this part still holds true today. Is it socially acceptable to sit with a group of folks and text and talk? We have dinners with extended family often and we really have to go out of our way to call the dinner table a "text free" zone. Unfortunately, not just for the young adults.
ReplyDeleteLisa,
DeleteWe too have a "text free" dinner table and your right it is not just the kids that have a hard time with the rule. Many times people will look at their phone our of shear habit, so text free reminders ae needed.
Michelle, Do you like feeling this way - connected at all times? Or do you feel like you are "too connected?"
ReplyDeleteYou mention that as a parent you love to be in constant contact with your kids. Often, when I call kids high schoolers out for texting in class, they will say, "but I have to text me mom back!" Parents expect to be able to get in instant contact with their teenagers. On the one hand, this drives me crazy as a teacher. Couldn't the parent just call the office if there was something important going on? Or if not, could it wait till lunch or between classes?
On the other hand, considering how many instances of violence have occurred in schools, I understand that desire to be able to have contact with your child if something horrible were to happen. Since this is all so new, it's going to take time to figure out where lines can and should be drawn.
Rachel,
DeleteI think I feel conflicted about my connection. I like the ability but don't always like the obligation it creates. My kids are out of school and I made a point to not text them during the school day when they were. I know what a disruption that can be. But as they are older and traveling both abroad and across the country I feel better when I know that I am constantly reachable should something come up.
You said, "...I just hope that we all don’t forget how to have conversations with each other or to enjoy the non-virtual world that is around us." I feel this concern as well. It seems as though face to face conversations are becoming the rotary phone of today. It's uncomfortable to approach and few young people really know how it works. I have actually found myself struggling to make eye-contact and display the correct body language in a real conversation. I worry that it's becoming a dying art!
ReplyDeleteLisa and Michelle I face the same problem, I try to have my daughter and nephews engage in conversations when they are having lunch but they are always have their heads buried in their tablets or iPods with an occasional glance to see who walked into the kitchen. My coworker seems to have an issue when we are having lunch and I pull out my phone, her words to me every time is "Trenisse you are not engaging with us." I think sometimes it is a natural reaction to check your phone for missed calls, emails and text messages.
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely a difficult year of teaching my Kindergarten and first grade students because they are behind on having face-to-face interactions and conversations. Instead all they talk about is playing games, tablets, and on their computers at home when they come home from school. My hope would be to try and teach them the importance on conversations. I appreciate how you all are working on having conversations with your children and family.
ReplyDelete